System and apparatus for drill powered handheld line pulling

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for a drill powered wire puller is disclosed. The drill powered wire puller includes a capstan, a housing positioned including a gear mechanism disposed therein, and a trigger assembly coupled to a trigger of a handheld power drill, wherein actuation of the trigger assembly causes depression of the trigger thereby activating the handheld power drill. The drill powered wire puller further includes a cradle plate including a notch positioned at a proximal end of the cradle plate, the notch being sized and shaped to receive the handheld power drill. The drill powered wire puller further includes a foot pedal system including a foot pedal, a base, a spring, wherein when the foot pedal receives pressure, tension is created on the throttle causing actuation of the trigger assembly and activation of the handheld power drill.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/471,405, filed May 20, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/119,885, filed Aug. 31, 2018, now U.S.patent Ser. No. 10/294,067, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/102,591 filed Aug. 13, 2018, which is acontinuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 29/603,787 filed May 12,2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to the field of tools. Morespecifically, an aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus forimproved wire pulling devices, which can be coupled with powered rotarytools, such as handheld powered drills.

GENERAL BACKGROUND

According to the US Department of Labor, over 31,000 workmen are injuredeach year from stress and strain injuries caused by lifting, reaching,pulling and bending. For electricians, the job of feeding wires throughconduits on building sites is a laborious, time consuming job thatcauses excessive strain on the shoulders, arms, back and wrists. Theseproblems are exacerbated when reaching in hard to access areas such asjunction boxes in ceilings, conduits in gutters and panels, lightstandards, underground conduits, and the like. While the OccupationalHealth and Safety Agency (OSHA) has provided guidelines with the aim ofreducing work related injuries, such guidelines are often overlooked infavor of job efficiency.

Current products available for pulling wire, often called “tuggers,” arebig, bulky and not optimally designed for branch circuits, the mostcommon of wire pulling jobs for electricians. Moreover these are timeconsuming to set up and manage, and are often too big to access confinedareas. Accordingly, electricians often resort to pulling wire by handusing a rope, fish tape, mule tape, or string, leading to physicalstresses and strains.

What is needed, therefore, is a small, portable and compact electricwinching system that is both powerful and stable enough to provide thenecessary torque, small enough to be used in the confined areas, andonly requires a single operator. It also needs to be quick to setup andengage a line to encourage usage over manual pulling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated by way of example and notby way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, inwhich like references indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1A is a top front perspective view for a drill powered wire pullershown in an exemplary environment of use.

FIG. 1B is a rear left side perspective view of a drill powered wirepuller shown in an exemplary environment of use.

FIG. 1C is a close up rear right-side perspective view of a drillpowered wire puller.

FIG. 2 is a right-side view of a drill powered wire puller.

FIG. 3 is a left-side view of a drill powered wire puller.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a drill powered wire puller.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a drill powered wire puller.

FIG. 6 is a top rear perspective view of a drill powered wire puller.

FIG. 7 is a right front perspective view of a drill powered wire puller.

FIG. 8 is a front right perspective view of a drill powered wire puller.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a drill powered wire puller with asupport arm.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a drill powered wire puller with asupport arm.

FIGS. 10B-C are exemplary views of an apparatus of a support arm.

FIGS. 11A-B are exemplary views of an apparatus of a support arm.

FIGS. 12A-D are exemplary views of an apparatus of a support arm.

FIG. 13 is an underside view of an embodiment of a drill powered wirepuller.

FIG. 14A is a right-side view of a drill powered wire puller including aplurality of optional attachments.

FIG. 14B is a top view of the drill powered wire puller including theplurality of optional attachments as seen in FIG. 14A.

FIG. 15 is a right-side view of a drill powered wire puller including asecond plurality of optional attachments.

FIG. 16A is a right-side view of an embodiment of the trigger assemblyof FIGS. 14A-14B coupled with a drill powered wire puller shown in anexemplary environment of use.

FIG. 16B is rear right-side perspective view of the trigger assembly ofFIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C is a first sectional view of the trigger assembly of FIG. 16Acoupled with a drill powered wire puller shown in an exemplaryenvironment of use.

FIG. 16D is a second sectional view of the trigger assembly of FIG. 16Acoupled with a drill powered wire puller shown in an exemplaryenvironment of use.

FIG. 17A is a top view of an embodiment of a wire puller vise coupled ofFIGS. 14A-14B.

FIG. 17B is a right-side view of the wire puller vise of FIG. 17A.

FIG. 18A is a bottom front perspective of an embodiment of a drillpowered wire puller having a rope grab attachment coupled thereto.

FIG. 18B is a side view of the rope grab attachment of FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a support arm configured for couplingwith a drill powered wire puller and a tube clamp.

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the support arm and the tube clamp ofFIG. 19A coupled to a conduit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Terminology

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describeaspects of the invention. In other instances, specific numericreferences such as “a first component,” may be made. However, thespecific numeric reference should not be interpreted as a literalsequential order but rather interpreted that the “first component” isdifferent than a “second component.” Thus, the specific details setforth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from andstill be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure. The term “coupled” is defined as meaning connected eitherdirectly to the component or indirectly to the component through anothercomponent. Further, as used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,”or “substantially” for any numerical values or ranges indicate asuitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection ofcomponents to function for its intended purpose as described herein.

To assist in the description of the components of a wire pulling device(sometimes referred to as a “drill powered wire puller”), longitudinal,lateral, and transverse axes are shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and are usedconsistently throughout. A “longitudinal axis” extends from a rear endto a front end of the device, and is generally horizontal to the devicewhen viewed from a right-side, left-side, or top view of the device,e.g. FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. A “lateral axis” is normal to the longitudinalaxis when viewed from a top view of the device, e.g. FIG. 4. A“transverse axis” extends normal to both the longitudinal and lateralaxes. Also, the terms “proximal” and “distal,” used to describe the wirepuller and its components, are shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and are used inreference to the powered drill, shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B. Accordingly, a“distal” end is commensurate with a “front” end, and a “proximal” end iscommensurate with a “rear” end.

The drill powered wire puller can be configured to pull various types ofbraided or unbraided wire, cord, string, rope, line, fish tape, muletape, multiple branch and data circuits, small feeder wire circuits,telephone wires, low voltage wires, or the like. Each of which mayinclude various gauges, thicknesses, or degrees of flexibility, forexample gauges or thicknesses can range from 22 to 1/0. Accordingly, asused herein the term “line” is considered to include any wire, cord, orthe like, of any gauge or thickness, that can be wound around thecapstan 600. In use, the line typically emerges from an exit of aconduit, gutter or similar structure through which the line is beingpulled. The exit of the conduit may include a junction box or similaradditional structures. As used herein a “source” of the line is an exitpoint from such a structure, from which the line is pulled. The “angleof the line” or “angle of resistive forces from the line” is consideredto be the direction of the line source in three-dimensional spacerelative to the drill powered wire puller 100.

Lastly, in certain situations the terms “or” and “and/or” as used hereinare to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or anycombination. Therefore, “A, B or C” or “A, B and/or C” mean “any of thefollowing: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C.” An exceptionto this definition will occur only when a combination of elements,functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

Illustrative Embodiment of a Drill Powered Wire Puller

Referring to FIGS. 1-13, an exemplary apparatus operating as a drillpowered wire puller 100 is shown. The drill powered wire puller 100 mayfeature a center plate 200, a cradle plate 300, a housing 400, a support500, a receiver 550, and a capstan 600.

According to this embodiment of the disclosure, the center plate 200extends along a plane defined by the longitudinal and transverse axes.The center plate 200 is coupled at a proximal end with a cradle plate300. The cradle plate 300 extending along a plane substantiallyperpendicular to the center plate 200, defined by the longitudinal andlateral axes. The cradle plate 300 may be coupled to the center plate200 using one or more socket cap bolts 210, as shown in FIG. 3. Centerplate 200 includes apertures 220 in a proximal end traversing the centerplate 200 along a lateral axis. Two of the apertures 220 may define anoblong cross-sectional shape, two of the apertures may define a circularcross-section. The cradle plate 300 includes a U-shaped notch 310 in aproximal end, as shown in FIG. 6. The cradle plate 300 includesapertures 320 traversing the cradle plate 300 along a transverse axis.The cradle plate 300 includes a first hook or catch 330 and a secondhook or catch 340 disposed at a proximal end, either side of theU-shaped notch 310.

The center plate 200 is defined by a perimeter 260 as shown in FIG. 2.When viewed from a side view, the perimeter 260 is formed by a firstsection 261 of the center plate 200 extends from a proximal lower cornerof the center plate 200 transversely upwards, a second section 262extends longitudinally distally before a third section 263 extendingupwards and distally at an acute angle relative to the longitudinalaxis. The perimeter 260 is further formed by a fourth section 264 withan arc-shaped of substantially 180° with a fifth section 265 extendingproximally at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis and a sixthsection 266 extending proximally parallel to the longitudinal axis to aproximal lower corner of the center plate 200. Advantageously, thecenter plate 200 extends along a vertical longitudinal plane to providegreatest stability and strength to the device commensurate with thisplane. The drill powered wire puller 100, when in use, is subject tolarge resistive forces from the line being pulled. Often the directionof these resistive forces is substantially longitudinal and along avertical axis. Accordingly, the design of the center plate 200 providesgreat stability and strength to the wire puller along the longitudinallyvertical plane. It will be appreciated that the resistive forces mayalso be orientated at angles other than the longitudinal vertical plane,and the structure of the drill powered wire puller 100 as a whole alsoprovides improved strength and stability with respect to these angles ofresistive force, as will be discussed herein.

The cradle plate 300 is defined by a perimeter 360. When viewed from atop view, e.g. FIG. 4, a first section 361 of the perimeter 360 extendsfrom a distal corner adjacent to center plate 200 and extends,perpendicular to the center plate 200, along a lateral axis. A secondsection 362 of the perimeter 360 then extends proximally, and laterallyaway from the center plate 200, at an acute angle to the longitudinalaxis, the perimeter 360 then defines a first hook 330 at a proximalcorner furthest from the center plate 200. A third section 363 of theperimeter 360 then extends laterally towards a central longitudinal axisdefined by the center plate 200. A fourth section 364 of the cradleplate perimeter 360 then extends longitudinally distal and then curvesthrough an arc of substantially 180° and extends longitudinallyproximally to define a U-shaped notch 310. A fifth section 365 of theperimeter 360 then extends laterally towards a central axis and thendefines a second hook 340. A sixth section 366 of the perimeter 360extends longitudinally distally towards the distal corner adjacent tothe center plate 200.

The housing 400 is coupled to a right (lateral) side of the center plate200, adjacent a distal end, and extends along a lateral axis away fromthe center plate 200. As illustrated in FIG. 2, from a right-side view,the top 462 and bottom 466 edges of the housing outer perimeter 460define a substantially circular shape. The proximal 468 and distal 464edges of the housing perimeter 460 protrude beyond the substantiallycircular diameter defined by the top 462 and bottom 466 edges, theproximal edge 468 protruding more than the distal 464 edge. The housing400 includes a housing axle 430 extending proximally from a proximalside 468 of the housing 400. The housing 400 further includes fourprotrusions 420 extending beyond the substantially circular shapedefined by the top 462 and bottom 466 edges, and are adjacent the centerplate 200.

A support 500 is coupled with a left side of the center plate 200 andextends laterally away from the center plate 200. As shown in FIG. 5,the support 500 is coupled with the center plate 200 using socket capbolts 510. The support outer perimeter 560 defines a substantially acircular outer edge defining an arc 570. A lower side of the perimeter560 extends downwards beyond the diameter of the circle defined by arc570 and defines a substantially straight lower edge 580. A receiver 550can be coupled with the support 500 along the lower edge 580 usingsocket cap bolts 510. The receiver 550 is a tubular bar that defines anopening 590 with a square cross-sectional area. The receiver 550 canextend distally at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis.

A capstan 600 can extend laterally from a left side of the support 500.As best seen in FIGS. 3, 6, from a left-side view, the capstan 600defines a substantially circular outer perimeter 660 about a capstancenter point 670. A central axis 672 of the capstan 600 extends along alateral axis through the capstan center point 670. The outer perimeterof the capstan 660 includes notches 650 extending radially inward todefine one or more “cleat” shapes in the outer perimeter. The capstan600 extends laterally from the support 500 in a radially symmetricalprofile, about the capstan central axis. As best seen in FIG. 4, whenviewed from a top side view, the radially symmetrical side profile ofthe capstan 600 extends laterally away from the support 500 beforeextending radially outward, perpendicular to the capstan central axis.The capstan then extends laterally away from the support 500 beforeextending radially inward to define a capstan flange 615. The sideprofile of the capstan 600 then extends radially inward and laterallyoutward to define a concave curve that arcs through substantially 90°,to define a radially curved portion 610, before extending laterallyoutward, parallel to the lateral axis and terminating in a left-mostsurface of the capstan, perpendicular to the capstan central axis, todefine a capstan drum 605. A surface of the capstan 600 may includescrew apertures 620.

As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred environment, the wire puller 100 isconfigured for coupling to a powered rotary tool, such as a handheldpower drill 700. The U-shaped notch 310 of the cradle plate 300 cancouple with a handle of the handheld power drill 700. The second hook340 can receive a strap 710 that encircles a proximal edge of the handleof the handheld power drill 700.

As shown in FIGS. 9-10A, the receiver 550 may be coupled with differenttypes of support arms 800, for example support arm 810 and support arm820. In an embodiment support arms 800 can also be coupled directly tosupport 500 using bolts 510 disposed through apertures 812, without theneed for receiver 550. As shown in FIGS. 7, 10A, the receiver 550includes a first end with an opening 590 into which a support arm 800 isinserted. In an embodiment, the support arm 800 can include a supportfooting 802, a spool member 822, or combinations thereof at the distalend. In an embodiment, support arm 820 can include four notches 824disposed on a lower side of arm and extending transversely upwards, aswill be discussed in more detail herein.

In an embodiment, the drill powered wire puller 100 may be coupled witha battery powered hand drill 700. It will be appreciated that otherforms of rotary tools may be used and fall within the scope of thepresent invention, including but not limited to, battery or mainselectricity powered drills, drivers, screwdrivers, torque wrenches,hand-powered or manual powered cranks, gasoline powered engines, and thelike.

In an embodiment, various components of the drill powered wire puller100, including the center plate 200, cradle plate 300, housing 400,support 500, receiver 550, capstan 600, and components thereof, can beformed from milled aluminum. It will be appreciated that other materialsthat display suitable physical and mechanical properties may also beused, including steel, plastic, and the like. In an embodiment, variouscomponents of the drill powered wire puller 100, including the centerplate 200, cradle plate 300, housing 400, support 500, receiver 550,capstan 600, and components thereof, can include various recesses orapertures, for example aperture 320, in order to reduce the overallweight of the drill powered wire puller 100 without compromisingstrength or stability. In an embodiment, the drill powered wire puller100 may include a sling or shoulder strap (not shown). The shoulderstrap may be attached to the center plate 200 using apertures 220 or anysuitable attachment mechanism known in the art.

In an embodiment, the housing 400 includes gear mechanisms disposedtherein which receive the rotational momentum from the handheld powereddrill 700 and transfers momentum to the capstan 600. As shown in FIGS.1B, 1C the chuck 720 of the handheld powered drill 700 can be coupledwith an axle 430. The axle 430 extends from a proximal side of thehousing along a longitudinal axis. The axle 430 can include one or moreflattened surfaces 432 along a longitudinal side of the axle 430. Theone or more flattened surfaces 432 are orientated with respect to eachother about the longitudinal axis and are configured to securely couplethe chuck 730 with the axle 430 to ensure efficient transfer ofrotational movement to the axle 430.

The gear mechanisms disposed in housing 400 can include a miter gear ora bevel gear arrangement that provides a gear ratio of between 1:0.1 and1:2. As used herein, the gear ratio is presented as turns of the housingaxle 430 relative to turns of the capstan 600. For example a gear ratioof 1:0.5 is equivalent to a full turn, 360°, of the housing axle 430which provides a half turn, 180°, of the capstan 600. In an embodimentother gear mechanisms, such as spiral bevel, worm gear, crown, helical,or the like, can be used in place of, or in conjunction with, the bevelgear or miter gear, or combinations thereof, and fall within the scopeof the present invention. In an embodiment gear ratios can includebetween 1:0.1 to 1:2, with a preferred gear ratio of between 1:0.5 and1:1. In an embodiment the drill powered wire puller 100 achieves atorque range of between 500 and 1,500 pound-foot (lbfft) with apreferred torque of 1,000 lbfft. In an embodiment, the gears are formedof hardened steel and can include a light oil lubricant disposed withinthe housing 400. It will be appreciated that other materials, whichdisplay suitable mechanical and physical properties, can be used to formthe gears and fall within the scope of the present invention. Similarlyother lubricants known in the art are considered to fall within thescope of the present invention.

In an embodiment, the housing protrusions 420 include tapped bolthousings configured to securely couple the housing with the center plate200, support 500, capstan 600, or combinations thereof. For example,housing protrusions 420 can receive bolts 510 to couple the support 500and housing 400 with the center plate 200.

As shown in FIGS. 1B, 6, in an embodiment, bolts 510 can be disposedthrough apertures 520. The cross-sectional shape of apertures 520 may becircular, oblong, curved oblong, or the like. The arc of the curvedoblong aperture 520 can curve about a capstan central axis 672 whichextends laterally through a capstan center point 670. The arc of thecurved oblong aperture 520 can also correspond with the arc of thecircular perimeter 570 of the support 500, or with the arc of the fourthsection of the center plate 264. Each of the curved oblong apertures 520can arc through an angle of between 5° to 80° with a preferredembodiment having an arc of 30° to 40°. In an embodiment, apertures 520can form a complete circular channel extending through 360° about thecapstan central axis 672. Advantageously, apertures 520 can beconfigured to allow the angle of the support 500, and correspondingreceiver 550 and support arms 800, to be adjustable along a longitudinalvertical plane, relative to the center plate 200. This allows a user toadjust the angle of the drill 700 relative to the angle of the line toachieve optimum ergonomic positioning, increased stability, and/orallows the drill powered wire puller 100 to be operated in confinedspaces, as discussed herein.

In an embodiment, the drill powered wire puller 100 may be coupled witha battery powered hand drill 700 using strap 710. Strap 710 can be anelastic O-ring made from rubber such as ethylene propylene diene monomer(EPDM), neoprene, nitrile, silicone rubber or the like. It will beappreciated that other materials may be suitable for encircling aproximal edge of the handle of the handheld power drill 700, and fallwithin the scope of the present invention. Strap 710 can be designed toengage each of first and second hooks 330, 340 of the cradle 300 andprovide sufficient tension against a proximal side of the drill 700 tosecurely couple the drill handle within the U-shaped notch 310 of thecradle 300. Advantageously, this allows a user to quickly connect anddisconnect a variety of differently shaped handheld drills 700 to thedrill powered wire puller 100 without the need for any tools andprovides increased ease of use and efficiency. In an embodiment,apertures 220 can include an oblong cross-sectional shape.Advantageously, this allows the cradle 300 to be adjusted relative tothe center plate 200 along a longitudinal axis. This further allows thedrill powered wire puller 100 to be adapted to differently sized drills.

In an embodiment, capstan 600 can include screw apertures 620. Apertures620 can be disposed on a left most surface of the capstan drum 605 or onside surface of the capstan drum 605, orthogonal to the central axis ofthe capstan 672. Each of apertures 620 can receive a bolt or set screwfor coupling the capstan 600 to a capstan axle (not shown). The capstanaxle can in turn be coupled with the gear mechanisms disposed in housing400. The portion of capstan axle disposed within the capstan 600 caninclude a flattened surface along a lateral axis. The flattened surfaceof the capstan axle allows the set screws to securely engage the capstanaxle and transfer the rotational movement from the capstan axle tocapstan.

In an embodiment, at least one of the apertures 620 aligns with anaperture in the capstan axle. The aperture in the capstan axle isorientated normal to the capstan central axis 672 and can traverse theaxle to align with a corresponding capstan aperture 620 on an oppositeside of the capstan central axis 672. Optionally, the capstan aperture620 can entirely traverse the diameter of the capstan drum 605. Thecapstan aperture 620 and corresponding capstan axle aperture can alignand be configured to receive a tension pin. In a preferred embodiment,the tension pin can be made of hardened steel, although it will beappreciated that other materials that display suitable physical andmechanical properties also fall within the scope of the presentinvention. The tension pin can be disposed through aperture 620 andthrough the capstan axle aperture. Once disposed through theseapertures, the sprung tension pin expands against the walls of theapertures, thereby securely coupling the capstan 600 to the capstanaxle. Advantageously this tension pin securement system may only requirea single capstan aperture 620 and a single tension pin to secure thecapstan to the capstan axle. Further, the single tension pin securementcan be positioned towards an outer, left most end of the capstan, forexample at aperture 620 a. This allows for a simplified construction andincreased efficiency in manufacturing of the drill powered wire puller100. This also allows for the tension pin securement to be positionedaway from the radial curved portion 610 of the capstan providing asmooth surface for receiving the line. Further still, the tension pinsecurement can couple with a capstan axle that is circular in crosssection, and does not require a flattened side portion of the capstanaxle. As such, the weight distribution of the capstan axle remains equaland reduces vibrations at high rotational speeds. Further, the capstanaxle maintains greater rigidity and strength since no material isremoved to create a flattened side, this in turn results in increasedmanufacturing efficiency. The tension pin securement is also configuredto maintain a secure attachment under greater rotational and vibrationalforces during use. The tension pin is configured to resist a sheer forcebetween the capstan axle and the capstan 600 to maintain secureattachment therewith. With increased capstan revolutionary speed, thereis a greater sheer force exerted on the tension pin which in turnensures greater securement of the tension pin within aperture 620.Accordingly, the forces involved with the configuration of the tensionpin securement system advantageously complement each other by providinggreater securement at higher rotational speeds.

In an embodiment, receiver 550 is configured to couple with varioussupport arms 800. Exemplary support arms 810, 820, 830, 840 are shown inFIGS. 9-12D. Support arms 800 can be configured for various usesincluding supporting the drill powered wire puller 100 against a surfaceto counteract the resistance of the line and increase stability for theuser. Support arms 800 can also include one or more pulleys or lowresistance line guides or channels for guiding the line on to thecapstan.

In an embodiment the receiver 550 can include a securement pin 804 forsecuring the support arms 800 to the receiver 550. The securement pin804 can include a pull ring, and a ball detent, pin detent or similarmechanism that secures the securing pin 804 within the securing aperture806. This quick release securement pin facilitates exchange of differentsupport arms and allows for increased efficiency and ease of use. Itwill be appreciated that the securement aperture 806 may traverse thesupport arms 800 along a lateral or transverse axis, or both.Accordingly, the orientation of the support arm may be rotated about thelongitudinal axis at 90° increments. In an embodiment, a portion of thesupport arms 800, may define a substantially circular or polygonalcross-section and further include additional securement apertures 806such that the support arms 800 may be orientated about the longitudinalaxis at increments other than 90°.

As shown in FIG. 9, in an embodiment, support arm 810 can extend from adistal end of the receiver 550 and can include a support footing 802 ata distal end of the support arm 810. The support 810 arm may be formedas a single piece from milled aluminum or similarly suitable material,as discussed herein. The support arm can extend distally along alongitudinal axis. In an embodiment the support arm extends between 6″and 36″ from the distal most point of the receiver 550 with a preferredembodiment extending substantially 18″ from the distal most point of thereceiver 550. Optionally the support arm 810 may include one or moreinflection points 808 that provide portions of the support arm 810 thatare angled relative to an axis of the drill powered wire puller 100.Advantageously the support arm 810 can be configured to provide asupport footing rigidly coupled with the drill powered wire puller 100that can be position proximate the source of the line being pulled,without impeding the travel path for the line.

As shown in FIG. 10A, in an embodiment of the disclosure, support arm820 can include a spool 822 disposed at a distal end or anywhere alongthe length of the support arm 820. The spool 822 can be configured toreceive the line from a source that is positioned at an angle tolongitudinal axis of the drill powered wire puller 100. The spool 822can then direct the line onto the capstan 600. Optionally, support arm820 may include notches 824 to allow one or more spools 822 to belocated at different positions along the length of the support arm 820.Spool 822 may include a securement pin 804 to allow for quick and easyreconfiguration of the spool 822 position.

As shown in FIGS. 10B-10C, in an embodiment, support arm 810 can includeboth a support footing 802 and a spool 822. The spool 822 can include anaperture 826 which is configured to receive a portion of the supportfooting 802 and secured thereto with a securement pin 804, as discussedherein. The spool aperture 826 can include a square cross-sectionalshape which is commensurate with the cross-sectional shape of thesupport footing 802, although it will be appreciated that othercross-sectional shapes fall within the scope of the present invention.Advantageously, the support arm 810 can be quickly adapted to eithersupport the wire puller 100, and/or provide a line guide, with minimaladditional equipment.

As shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, in an embodiment, support arm 830 can includea first portion 832 and a second portion 834 coupled together with anarticulated joint 836. The articulated joint 836 can be adjusted andsecured in place using a bolt and wing nut or similar fastener known inthe art. The support arm 830 can be secured to the receiver 550 using asecurement pin 804 and securement aperture 806, as discussed herein. Thesupport arm 830 can include a support footing 802 and/or spool 822 at adistal end, as discussed herein. The first portion 832 can be coupledwith the receiver 550 and angled parallel with an axis of the receiver550. A user can then adjust the articulated joint 836 such that thesecond portion 834 is at an angle relative to an axis defined by thefirst portion 832. Accordingly, as discussed herein, a user may adjustthe wire puller 100 by adjusting the articulated joint 836, therotational position of the first portion 832 within the receiver 550,and the angle of the receiver 550 relative to the center plate 200, toposition the support footing 802 adjacent the source of the line beingpulled. This provides maximum stability to the wire puller 100 whilepositioning the handheld drill 700 in an ergonomically correct position.Further, the support arm 830 can be angled to fit within confined spaceswhile maintaining a clear travel path for the line between the sourceand the capstan 600.

In an embodiment, the first and second portions 832, 834 can include atapered shape 833, 835 such that a width of each of the first and secondportions 832, 834 increases proximate the articulated joint 836. Thewidth of the first and second portions 832, 834 increases along an axisthat runs parallel with the direction of articulation of the articulatedjoint 836. Advantageously, these tapered portions 833, 835 add increasedstrength and stability along a plane that is parallel with the positionof the support footing 802, and is therefore commensurate with directionof resistance from the line. In an embodiment, the articulated joint 836can include gears, teeth, detents, or ridges, such as teeth 838, on eachof the first and second portions 832, 834. These teeth 838 can interlockto prevent slippage of the articulated joint when it is fastened at thedesired angle.

As shown in FIGS. 12A-12D, in an embodiment, support arm 840 can furtherinclude a mount to maintain positioning of the support arm 840. As usedherein, one embodiment of a mount corresponds to a H-block attachment842, as described below. The H-block 842 can include an aperture 844,feet 846, and notches 848. The aperture 844 defines a cross-sectionalshape that is commensurate with the cross-sectional shape of the supportarm 840 such that the support arm 840 can extend through the aperture844 prior to being coupled with the receiver 550. In this way, theH-block 842 can be slidably coupled with the support arm 840. Supportarm 840 can further include a spool 822 or support footing 802, forexample spool 822 disposed at a distal end. As shown in FIGS. 12C-D, thesupport arm 840, with H-block 842 slidably coupled thereto, can receivea line at an angle perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drillpowered wire puller 100. The line can be fed through the spool 822 toalign the travel path on to the capstan 600, as discussed herein.Advantageously, the H-block 842 can be rested against a surface tostabilize the wire puller 100 relative to the direction of force that isperpendicular to the wire puller longitudinal axis. Further, the H-block842 raises the spool 822 clear of any resting surface and allows freerunning of the spool 822. Since the H-block 842 is slidably coupled withthe support arm 840, the position of the H-block 842 relative to thespool 822, can be quickly and easily adjusted to modify the angle and/orposition of the support arm 840, spool 822, or combinations thereof,relative to the angle of the line.

As shown in FIGS. 12C-12D, in an embodiment, the feet 846 are off setfrom the travel path of the line. Advantageously, this allows a clear,unobstructed travel path for the line 110 from the spool 822 through thenotch 848 and on to the capstan 600. In an embodiment, the bilateralsymmetry of the mount allows the support arm 840 to receive a line froma direction which is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis ofthe drill powered wire puller 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 12C, aline may be received from underneath the drill powered wire puller 100.As such, a user may fit the support arm 840 to the receiver 550 with theH-block 842 slidably engaged as discussed herein. The user may thenposition the feet 846 upon a supporting surface which is below H-block842, such that the spool 822 is positioned over the source of the line.The travel path for the line 110 may then be directed up over the spool822, between the notch 848 and onto the capstan 600.

As shown in FIG. 12D, in an embodiment, a line may also be received froman opposite side, above the drill powered wire puller 100. As such asupporting surface may only be found on the opposite side of the wirepuller 100 from the source of the line. In this case a user may fit thesupport arm 840 to the receiver 550 with the H-block 842 slidablyengaged as discussed herein. The user may then position the feet 846upon a supporting surface that is on an opposite side from the directionof resistive force from the line. A user can adjust the position of theH-block 842, spool 822, as discussed herein. A user can then apply anopposing, downward force to the support arm 840, or wire puller 100, tostabilize the wire puller 100 against the supporting surface. The notch848 can advantageously still allow a clear travel path 110 from thespool 822 to the capstan 600, between the H-block 842 and the supportingsurface, by allowing the line to travel through notch 848. It will beappreciated that the upward and downward directions used herein areexemplary and are interchangeable.

In an embodiment, the length of the legs 849 are between 1″ and 10″ witha preferred embodiment having a length of 3.5″. It will be appreciatedthat H-block 842 may also have legs 849 that can extend much longer andalso fall within the scope. It is also contemplated that the legs 849may be coupled with additional extension legs (not shown) that allow theH-block 842 to be positioned at an appropriate position. In anon-limiting example, if there is no support surface proximate thesource of the line, H-block 842 may include, or be coupled with, legsthat are approximately four feet long such that a user may stabilize thewire puller 100 against the floor while maintaining a comfortablestanding position.

As shown in FIG. 13, in an embodiment, drill powered wire puller 100 caninclude an off-set receiver bracket 900 configured to couple withsupport arms 800 as discussed herein. The off-set receiver bracket 900includes a first portion 910 and a second portion 920. The first portion910 is configured to be attached to a lower surface 580 of the support500 using bolts 510. The first portion 910 can extend from the support500, longitudinally and distally beyond a distal most edge of thecapstan 600. A second portion 920 can extend laterally from a distal endof the first portion 910, in the direction of the capstan 600, such thatthe second portion 920 extends in front of the capstan 600. The secondportion 920 can be coupled with a receiver 550. The receiver 550 canextend substantially along a longitudinal axis and can couple withsupport arms 800 as discussed herein. An axis defined by the receiver550 can align with the radially curved portion 610 of the capstan 600.The receiver 550 can define an opening 590 with a square cross sectionand can include a securement aperture 806 for receiving a securement pin804, as discussed herein. It will be appreciated that the cross sectionof the receiver 550 can define circular or other polygonal cross-shapesthat are commensurate with the cross-sectional shape of a support arm800, or capable of securely receiving a cross-sectional shape of asupport arm 800, as discussed herein. In an embodiment, support arms 800can couple directly with the second portion 920, without the need forreceiver 550, and align with the radially curved portion 610 of thecapstan 600 in a similar way to the receiver 550. Support arms 800 cancouple directly with the second portion 920 using bolts 510 or similarfasteners known in the art.

In an embodiment, the first portion 910, second portion 920, andreceiver 550 can be made from a single monolithic piece or from separatepieces that are fastened together using bolts, welding, adhesive orsimilar fastenings known in the art, or combinations thereof. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 13 the first portion 910, second portion 920are made from a monolithic piece, while receiver 550 is fastened theretousing bolts 510.

Advantageously, the first portion 910, second portion 920, and receiver550 are configured to align the receiver 550, and associated support arm800, with the optimum receiving point on the capstan 600, which isadjacent the radially curved portion 610 of the capstan 600. Further, anelbow created by the first and second portions 910, 920 is positionedclose to the capstan 600, which increases strength and stability of thesupport arm 800. The configuration of the off-set receiver bracket 900also allows the travel path of the line to run parallel with thelongitudinal axis of the support arm 800. This reduces lateral ortransverse forces on the support arm 800 and further increases strengthand stability.

Method of Use Illustrative Example

In an exemplary method of use, a powered rotary tool, such as a batterypowered handheld drill 700 may be coupled with the drill powered wirepuller 100. The U-shaped notch 310 may receive the handle of the drill700 and a strap 710 can couple with hooks 330, 340 to encircle thehandle of the drill 700 and secure it to the drill powered wire puller100. The drill chuck 730 can couple with the housing axle 430. Cradle300 can be adjusted relative to the center plate 200 to further ensurecorrect alignment of the drill 700 with the wire puller 100. Support 500can be adjusted about a capstan central axis 672 to ensure correctalignment of the support arm 800 which is coupled with receiver tube550.

Depending on the location of the source of the line to be pulled, wirepuller 100 can be fitted with a various support arms 800, for examplesupport arms 810, 820, 830, 840, etc. each of which can be configured tosupport the wire puller 100 relative to the direction of resistive forcefrom the line to be pulled and can direct the travel path of the line onto the capstan 600. A line can then be taken from the source, forexample a junction box, and fed through any associated channel guides orspools 822 of the support arm 800 and wound around the capstan severaltimes to ensure there is sufficient frictional forces to between theline and the capstan 600. Optionally the line may be wound throughnotches 650 to ensure a secure attachment between the line and thecapstan 600.

Drill 700 can be actuated by a user which causes the capstan 600 turn ata ratio of 1:0.5, winding the line on to the capstan 600. The speed ofthe winding can be varied by modifying the speed of the drill. Thesupport arm 800, and support 550 can be adjusted to feed the line on tothe capstan 600 adjacent the radially curved portion of the capstan 600.

Illustrative Embodiments of Drill Powered Wire Puller Attachments

Referring to FIG. 14A, a right-side view of a drill powered wire pullerincluding a plurality of optional attachments is shown. An exemplaryapparatus operating as a drill powered wire puller 1400 is shown in FIG.14A that is similar to the drill powered wire puller 100 of FIGS. 1-13.For instance, the drill powered wire puller 1400 may feature componentsincluding the center plate 200, the cradle plate 300, the housing 400,the support 500 and the capstan 600 as discussed above. As will bediscussed in detail below, the drill powered wire puller 1400 includesone or more of a plurality of optional attachments configured to improveoperability as compared to the drill powered wire puller 100.

As in illustrated in FIG. 14A, in addition to the components discussedabove with respect to FIGS. 1-13, the drill powered wire puller 1400 mayinclude: a foot pedal system 1402 that includes a foot pedal 1404, abase 1406 and a spring 1408, a throttle cable sheath 1410 encapsulatinga throttle cable 1420; a trigger assembly 1412; a wire puller vise 1414;and a roller arm 1416. In some embodiments, the reference number 1408may refer to a spring-loaded component as opposed to directlyreferencing a spring.

As discussed above with various embodiments of the disclosure, thecenter plate 200 extends along a plane defined by the longitudinal andtransverse axes and is coupled at a proximal end with a cradle plate300. The cradle plate 300 extends along a plane substantiallyperpendicular to the center plate 200, defined by the longitudinal andlateral axes. The cradle plate 300 may be coupled to the center plate200 using one or more socket cap bolts 210, as shown in FIG. 3. As shownin FIG. 14A, the trigger assembly is coupled to one or more of thecenter plate 200 and the cradle plate 300 using one or more socket capbolts 1418. In some embodiments, the trigger assembly may be coupled toone or more of the center plate 200 and the cradle plate 300 using thecap bolts 210. The trigger assembly 1412 is utilized to provide for easein operating the trigger of the power drill 700. Specifically, varioustrigger assembly embodiments discussed below provide for hands-freeoperation of the trigger and remote-controlled operation thereof.Additional details and operations of the trigger assembly embodimentswill be discussed below with respect to, inter alia, FIGS. 16A-16D.

The foot pedal system 1402 is communicatively coupled to the triggerassembly 1412 via the throttle cable 1420. The foot pedal system 1402enables hands-free operation of the power drill 700, and consequently,the drill powered wire puller 1400. The foot pedal system 1402 iscomprised of the foot pedal 1404, the base 1406, a spring 1408 and athrottle cable adjustment screw 1422.

In some embodiments, the foot pedal system 1402 operates to createtension with the throttle cable 1420 in response to receipt of pressureon the foot pedal 1404. By providing tension on the throttle cable 1420,a trigger actuator 1600 (FIG. 16A) is rotated to provide pressure to anddepress the trigger of the power drill 700. Further, release of thepressure on the foot pedal 1404 releases the tension on the throttlecable 1420 causing counter-rotation of the trigger actuator 160, therebyreleasing pressure on the trigger. The trigger of the power drill 700may be operated using varying pressure on the foot pedal 1404. Thevarying pressure applied to the foot pedal 700 results in varyingpressure being applied to the trigger thereby controlling intensity atwhich the drill head spins. The throttle cable adjustment screw 1422receives the throttle cable 1420, which passes through an aperture ofthe base 1406 and couples with the spring 1408. The throttle cableadjustment screw 1422 is configured to be manually rotated by a user,and in response to the rotation, alter the tension of the throttle cable1420. Thus, the throttle cable adjustment screw 1422 enables a user toadjust the sensitivity of the foot pedal 1404 and tighten the throttlecable 1422 if the tension thereof decreases based on extended use forexample. As is seen in FIG. 14A, the foot pedal 1402 is coupled to thebase 1406 with a plurality of socket cap bolts.

Referring now to FIG. 14B, a top view of the drill powered wire pullerincluding the plurality of optional attachments as seen in FIG. 14A isshown. The center plate 200 extends from the cradle plate 300 to couplewith the housing 1401. The housing 1401 is coupled to a right (lateral)side of the center plate 200, adjacent a distal end, and extends along alateral axis away from the center plate 200. The housing 1401 may takeone of various shapes. As illustrated in FIG. 14B, the housing 1401takes a rectangular shape; however, as illustrated in FIG. 2, thehousing 400 is defined by a substantially circular shape. The housing400 and the housing 1401 illustrate two of many embodiments of a housingcomponent.

As referenced above, a capstan 600 is included in the drill powered wirepullers 100 and also included in the drill powered wire puller 1400. Insome embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1A-10A, the capstan can extendlaterally from a left side of a support 500. In other embodiments, thesupport 500 may be excluded and the capstan 600 may couple directly tothe housing 1401 as shown in FIGS. 14A-15. As discussed above, thecapstan 600 defines a substantially circular outer perimeter 660 about acapstan center point 670. A central axis 672 of the capstan 600 extendsalong a lateral axis through the capstan center point 670. The outerperimeter of the capstan 660 may optionally include notches 650extending radially inward to define one or more “cleat” shapes in theouter perimeter as shown in FIGS. 1-10A; however, such notches areoptional and need not be included as illustrated in FIGS. 14A-15.Additional aspects of the capstan 600 are discussed above.

In a similar manner as discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B,the wire pullers 100 and 1400 are configured for coupling to a poweredrotary tool, such as a handheld power drill 700. The U-shaped notch 310of the cradle plate 300, as seen in FIG. 4, can couple with a handle ofthe handheld power drill 700 via the hook 330-340, which receive thestrap 710 that encircles a proximal edge of the handle of the handheldpower drill 700.

Referring now to FIG. 15, a right-side view of a drill powered wirepuller including a second plurality of optional attachments is shown. Adrill powered wire puller 1500 is shown that includes many of the samecomponents discussed above with respect to FIGS. 14A-14B. However,instead of the inclusion of the foot pedal system 1402 coupled to thetrigger assembly 1412 via the throttle cable 1420, the drill poweredwire puller 1500 includes a trigger assembly 1502, a wirelesstransceiver 1504 and a wireless remote 1506. The trigger assembly 1502is configured to operate in a similar manner as the trigger assembly1412 in that a trigger actuator is activated to provide pressure to anddepress the trigger of the power drill 700. However, instead ofactivation resulting from pressure applied to a foot pedal 1404, thetrigger assembly 1502 is controlled via wireless signals received by thetransceiver 1504. The remote 1506 may transmit the wireless signals thatare received by the transceiver 1504, which converts the wirelesssignals into electrical signals that control the operation of thetrigger actuator. In such embodiments, the trigger assembly 1502 mayinclude a system on chip (SOC) that receives the electrical signal andcauses activation of a motor that rotates the trigger actuator. Each ofthe trigger assembly 1502, the transceiver 1504 and the remote 1506 mayinclude a battery that supplies power enabling operation of eachcomponent.

Referring to FIG. 16A, a right-side view of an embodiment of the triggerassembly of FIGS. 14A-14B coupled with a drill powered wire puller shownin an exemplary environment of use is shown. For purposes of clarity,the trigger assembly 1412 is shown via solid lines while othercomponents of the drill powered wire puller 1400 are shown via dottedlines. FIGS. 16A-16D provide detailed views of the trigger assembly1412, with FIG. 16C providing a cross-sectional view of FIG. 16A at16C-16C. The throttle cable 1420 is shown to be encapsulated by thethrottle cable sheath 1410. The throttle cable 1420 passes through anaperture of the trigger assembly 1412 to couple with the triggeractuator 1600. As is shown in FIGS. 16B-16D, the coupling may be via arounded end 1430 of the throttle cable 1420 located within a receptor ofa first end 1604 of the trigger actuator 1600. For instance, the roundedend 1430 may be a circular circumference with two opposing, flat sides.In such an embodiment, the throttle cable 1420 may pass through anaperture in the first end 1602 as shown in FIGS. 16C-16D. As the roundedend 1430 has a larger circumference than the aperture through which thethrottle cable 1420 passes, tension on the throttle cable 1420originating from a distal end (i.e., from the foot pedal system 1402)pulls the throttle cable 1420 distally, which also pulls the first end1602 of the trigger actuator causing rotation about a bolt 1605, such asa socket cap bolt, that serves as a transverse axis. As seen in FIG.16D, rotation of trigger actuator 1600 causes the second end 1604 of thetrigger actuator 1600 to provide pressure to and depress the trigger 702of the power drill 700, thereby activating the power drill 700. Further,release of pressure on the foot pedal 1404 releases the tension in thethrottle cable 1420 allowing counter-rotation of the trigger actuator1600. The counter-rotation of the trigger actuator 1600 releases thepressure applied to the trigger 702.

Although discussed above as having a particular shape, it should beunderstood that the cable end 1430 of the cable 1420 may takealternative shapes, e.g., a spherical ball, a square, etc., with thereceptor of the first end 1604 having a corresponding shape.

Referring to FIG. 16B, right back perspective view of the triggerassembly of FIG. 16A is shown. In detail, the trigger assembly 1412 isshown to include the trigger actuator 1600 having a first end 1602 and asecond end 1604, wherein the first end 1602 includes a receptorconfigured to receive the cable end 1430. The trigger actuator 1600 iscoupled to the body 1606 via a socket cap bolt 1605 that serves as atransverse axis of rotation for the trigger actuator 1600. Additionally,the trigger assembly 1412 includes a coupling arm 1608 configured tocouple with the center plate 200 or the cradle 300 via on or more socketcap bolts or other fastening mechanism as shown in FIGS. 14A, 15 and 16.

Referring to FIG. 17A, a top view of an embodiment of a wire puller visecoupled of FIGS. 14A-14B is shown. The wire puller vise 1414 includes atop plate 1700 coupled with a vise plate 1702 with the roller arm 1416optionally received there between. Specifically, the top plate 1700 iscoupled to the vise plate 1702 via a plurality of socket cap bolts 1703,1704A-1704B. The wire puller vise 1414 may be coupled to the centerplate 200 via one or more socket cap bolts secured into one or more ofthe apertures 1710A-1710D. It should be understood that the positioningand configuration of any of the apertures for coupling the wire pullervise 1414 to the center plate 202 and/or for coupling the top plate 1700to the vise plate 1702 may vary from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.17A-17B.

The vise plate 1702 may include a groove 1706 configured to receive asocket cap bolt 1708 that is received by an aperture within a vise 1703(FIG. 17B). By loosening the socket cap bolt 1708, the vise plate 1702may be rotated. Tightening the socket cap bolt 1708 secures the viseplate 1702 and prevents further rotation.

Referring to FIG. 17B, a right-side view of the wire puller vise of FIG.17A is shown. The vise plate 1702 is coupled to the vise 1703 via thesocket cap bolt 1708. The vise 1703 includes a cavity for coupling to,for example, an edge of a conduit such as a pipe or electrical cabinetsuch that the abutment 1714 may be tightened thereby securing the wirepuller vise 1414 to the edge. The threaded stud 1712 may be rotated viathe screw key 1716 to move the abutment 1714 and tighten or loosen thegrip of the vise 1703.

Referring to FIG. 18A, a bottom front perspective of an embodiment of adrill powered wire puller having a rope grab attachment coupled theretois shown. The drill powered wire puller 1800 includes the center plate200, the trigger assembly 300, the housing 400, the capstan 600 and arope grab attachment 1802. The housing 400 is illustrated in yet anotherembodiment from those discussed above with respect to shape. The housing400 illustrated in FIG. 18A is barrel-shaped exterior including arounded portion and at least one flat side. The at least one flat sidecouples with the capstan 600 on a lateral side of the housing 400.Further, the rope grab 1802 couples with the capstan 600 opposite thehousing 400.

The rope grab 1802 is illustrated as having a circular shape andincluding an exterior side 1804 and an interior side 1806 separated by agroove 1808. The groove 1808 may include a plurality of interior facingprotrusions 1810. In the illustrated embodiment, the rope grabattachment 1802 may have a circumference greater than the circumferenceof the capstan 600.

The rope grab attachment 1802 may couple to the capstan 600 via anyfastening mechanism that enables the rope grab attachment 1802 to rotatein concert with the capstan 600. As one example, the rope grabattachment 1802 may be coupled to the capstan 600 through one or moresocket cap bolts 1812. However, alternative fasteners may be utilizedincluding a twistlock mechanism, a push-push lock mechanism, a threadedscrew coupling, etc.

As discussed above, the capstan 600 is configured to receive a rope andupon rotation, wind the rope around the width of portion of the capstan600 that extends laterally away from the center plate 200. In someinstances, when rotation of the capstan 600 is stopped, the tension onthe rope causes the rope to unwind from the capstan 600 negating thework performed by the drill powered wire puller 1800 to wind the rope.

To provide added functionality that secures the rope even upon thestoppage of rotation of the capstan 600, the rope grab attachment 1802receives the rope following at least an initial winding around thecapstan 600. The plurality of interior facing protrusions 1810 grip therope and provide friction in order to hold the rope taught regardless ofwhether the capstan 600 is rotating.

Referring now to FIG. 18B, a side view of the rope grab attachment ofFIG. 18A is shown. The plurality of interior facing protrusions 1810 areeach shown to have a uniform size and separated uniformly along theinterior circumference of the groove 1808. However, in otherembodiments, the plurality of interior facing protrusions 1810 may varyin sizing and need not be uniformly distributed along the interiorcircumference of the groove 1808.

The interior side 1806 may include a lateral flat side 1814 opposite thegroove 1808, a sloped side 1816 that widens from the lateral flat side1814 to a flat apex 1820. The interior side of the flat apex 1820 isadjacent to the groove 1808. The exterior side 1804 may include alateral flat side 1822 opposite the groove 1808, a sloped side 1824 thatwidens from the lateral flat side 1822 to a flat apex 1826. The interiorside of the flat apex 1826 is adjacent to the groove 1808.

Further in the embodiment illustrated, the sloped slide 1816 of theinterior side 1806 may include a plurality of protrusions 1818 thatprotrude opposite the groove 1808. Such protrusions may assist inkeeping the rope taught upon stoppage of rotation of the capstan 600.

However, in other embodiments, the exterior side 1804 and the interiorside 1806 may be shaped differently. For example, one or more of theexterior side 1804 and the interior side 1806 need not include a slopedside 1816, 1824. Although the illustration of FIG. 18B shows one or moreaspects of the interior side 1806 being larger than correspondingaspects of the exterior side 1804, in some embodiments, the exteriorside 1804 and the interior side 1806 may include the same dimensions.

Referring to FIG. 19A, a perspective view of a support arm configuredfor coupling with a drill powered wire puller and a tube clamp is shown.Although not illustrated for purposes of clarity, a proximal end 1910 ofthe support arm 1900 may couple with the wire puller vise 1414 in asimilar manner as the support arm 1416 as illustrated in FIGS. 14A-15and 17A-17B. In other embodiments, the proximal end 1910 of the supportarm 1900 may couple with a receiver such as the receiver 550 in asimilar manner as the support arm 800 of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2-4, 6-10A and13. The support arm 1900 may be configured for various uses similar tothose of the support arms 800, 1416 including supporting any of thedrill powered wire pullers 100, 1400, 1500 and 1800 against a surface tocounteract the resistance of the line and increase stability for theuser. Support arm 1900 may also include one or more pulleys or lowresistance line guides or channels for guiding the line on to thecapstan 600. It should be understood that any of the support arms 800,1416 and 1900 may be coupled to a drill powered wire puller as discussedin any of the embodiments herein.

As illustrated, the support arm 1900 is configured to couple with a tubeclamp 1914 to provide for the ability to position the tip of the distalend 1902 of the support arm 1900 over the center of a conduit, such asthe conduit 2000 of FIG. 19B. For instance, when a line is received froman opening having a small diameter, the tube clamp 1914 provides anadvantageous tool for securely positioning the spool 1903 of the supportarm 1900 over the center of the opening. Additionally, as will bediscussed below, the support arm 1900 is also configured to coupledirectly to an edge or lip via the notched underside 1904.

The support arm 1900 includes the proximal end 1910, a distal end 1902,and the notched underside 1904 comprised of a plurality of notches 1906.As illustrated, the notches 1906 may vary in size. The proximal end 1910of the support arm 1900 may include an aperture 1912 for coupling withthe receiver 550 or the center plate 200 as discussed above. The supportarm 1900 further includes one or more apertures 1908, typically locatedat the distal end 1902, that are configured to receive a securement pin1932 for coupling to the tube clamp 1914. As is further shown in FIG.19A, in an embodiment of the disclosure, the support arm 1900 includes aspool 1903 disposed at the distal end 1902; however, such may bedisposed anywhere along the length of the support arm 1900. The spool1903 can be configured to receive the line from a source that ispositioned at an angle to longitudinal axis of a drill powered wirepuller. The spool 1903 can then direct the line onto the capstan 600.

The support arm 1900 may be formed as a single piece from milledaluminum or similarly suitable material, as discussed herein, or as aplurality of pieces each formed from such as material. The support armcan extend distally along a longitudinal axis. In an embodiment thesupport arm extends between 6″ and 36″ from the distal most point of thereceiver 550 or center plate 200 with a preferred embodiment extendingsubstantially 18″ from the distal most point of the receiver 550 orcenter plate 200. Advantageously, the support arm 1900 can be configuredto provide a support footing rigidly coupled with the drill powered wirepuller 100 that can be position proximate the source of the line beingpulled, without impeding the travel path for the line in a similarmanner as discussed above with respect to the support arms 810, 820,etc.

The tube clamp 1914 includes a bottom body component 1916, a tube clamplip 1918, a notch 1920 to receive a conduit lip, other edge or other lip(cumulatively “lip”), a sloped body front 1922, an upper wingedcomponent 1924, two wings 1926A-1926B that extend from the upper wingedcomponent 1924, a plate 1928 to receive the distal end 1902 of thesupport arm 1900 and apertures 1930A-1930B to receive the securement pin1932. The apertures 1930A-1930B refer to apertures in both of the wings1926A-1926B of the tube clamp 1914.

Referring to FIG. 19B, a perspective view of the support arm and thetube clamp of FIG. 19A coupled to a conduit is shown. The tube clamp1914 couples with a conduit or other edge as the notch 1920 receives thelip of the conduit or edge. To secure the tube clamp to the lip, a screwkey 1934 is received by a threaded aperture 1936 and tightened such thatthe pressure applied by the screw key 1934 secures the tube clamp 1914to the lip.

The support arm 1900 couples to the tube clamp 1914 as the securementpin 1932 passes through an aperture 1908 of the support arm 1900 and anaperture 1930A-1930B of the tube clamp 1914 creating a secure coupling.The securement pin 1932 may include a pull ring, and a ball detent, pindetent or similar mechanism that secures the securing pin 1932 withinthe securing apertures 1908, 1930A-1930B. This quick release securementpin facilitates exchange of different support arms and allows forincreased efficiency and ease of use. It should be understood thateither of the support arm 1900 or the tube clamp 1914 may include lessor more apertures than those illustrated.

As is referenced above, the support arm 1900 includes a notchedunderside 1904 comprised of the plurality of notches 1906 enabling thesupport arm 1900 to mount directly to a lip to maintain positioning ofthe support arm 1900. A user can adjust the orientation of the supportarm 1900 so that the notches 1906 face upward or in either lateraldirection thereby enabling the drill powered wire puller 1800 to receivea line from any direction relative to the drill powered wire puller1800.

In the foregoing description, the invention is described with referenceto specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evidentthat various modifications and changes may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A drill powered wire puller, comprising: acapstan; a housing coupled to the capstan, the housing including a gearmechanism disposed therein; a trigger assembly coupled to a trigger of ahandheld power drill, wherein actuation of the trigger assembly causesdepression of the trigger thereby activating the handheld power drill;and a foot pedal system including a foot pedal, a base, and a spring,wherein responsive to apply pressure to the foot pedal, the triggerassembly is actuated to activate the handheld power drill.
 2. The drillpowered wire puller of claim 1, further comprising: a cradle plateincluding a notch positioned at a proximal end of the cradle plate, thenotch being sized and shaped to receive the handheld power drill.
 3. Thedrill powered wire puller of claim 1, wherein the trigger assemblyincludes a trigger actuator having a first end and a second end, thefirst end including a receptor configured to receive an end of athrottle cable.
 4. The drill powered wire puller of claim 3, wherein thetrigger assembly further includes a body coupled to the trigger actuatorat an axis of rotation for the trigger actuator.
 5. The drill poweredwire puller of claim 1, further comprising: a support arm interposedbetween the capstan and the housing.
 6. The drill powered wire puller ofclaim 5, wherein the support arm includes a plurality of notches,wherein each of the plurality of notches is configured to receive a lipor edge.
 7. The drill powered wire puller of claim 5, furthercomprising: a tube clamp configured to couple with (i) a lip of aconduit, and (ii) a distal portion of the support arm.
 8. The drillpowered wire puller of claim 7, wherein the tube clamp includes anaperture configured to receive a screw key that upon tightening securesthe tube clamp to the lip of the conduit.
 9. The drill powered wirepuller of claim 1 further comprising: a center plate coupled to thehousing; and a wire puller vise coupled to the center plate.
 10. A drillpowered wire puller comprising: a capstan; a housing coupled to thecapstan, the housing including a gear mechanism disposed therein; atrigger assembly coupled to a trigger of a handheld power drill, whereinactuation of the trigger assembly causes depression of the triggerthereby activating the handheld power drill; a wireless transceiverconfigured to couple with the trigger assembly; and a wireless remoteconfigured to transmit a signal, wherein the wireless transceiverreceives the signal and provides the signal to the trigger assemblycausing actuation of the trigger assembly and activation of the handheldpower drill.
 11. The drill powered wire puller of claim 10, wherein thetrigger assembly includes a system on chip (SOC) and a motor, whereinthe SOC is configured to receive the signal and cause actuation of themotor resulting in rotation of a trigger actuator and activation of thehandheld power drill.
 12. A drill powered wire puller comprising: acapstan; a housing coupled to the capstan, the housing including a gearmechanism disposed therein; a trigger assembly coupled to a trigger of ahandheld power drill, wherein actuation of the trigger assembly causesdepression of the trigger thereby activating the handheld power drill;and a support arm interposed between the capstan and the housing; and atube clamp configured to couple with (i) a lip of a conduit, and (ii) adistal portion of the support arm, wherein the tube clamp includes anotch to receive the lip of the conduit, an upper winged component, aplurality of wings extending from the upper winged component and a plateto receive the distal portion of the support arm.
 13. The drill poweredwire puller of claim 12, wherein the tube clamp and the support arm eachinclude an aperture configured to receive a securement pin therebycoupling the support arm to the tube clamp.
 14. The drill powered wirepuller of claim 12, wherein the tube clamp includes an apertureconfigured to receive a screw key that upon tightening secures the tubeclamp to the lip of the conduit.
 15. A drill powered wire pullercomprising: a capstan; a housing coupled to the capstan, the housingincluding a gear mechanism disposed therein; a trigger assembly coupledto a trigger of a handheld power drill, wherein actuation of the triggerassembly causes depression of the trigger thereby activating thehandheld power drill; and a rope grab attachment configured to couple tothe capstan and grip a line that has been at least partially woundaround the capstan, wherein the rope grab attachment includes aninterior side and an exterior side separated by a groove to receive theline and the groove includes a plurality of protrusions that grip theline.